Homelessness

The City of Soledad and County of Monterey celebrate the opening of a transitional housing facility for people who were living by the Salinas River. Plus, the Soquel Union Elementary School District board of trustees approves layoffs of 17 staff.

In this episode of Monterey Bay This Week, Monterey Bay area counties get millions from the state’s homelessness prevention program, dozens of Pajaro Valley residents are suing the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency over the 2023 flood, and more in this week's local news roundup.

The Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency expects new flood walls to go up along some parts of the Pajaro River levee within the next few days. Plus, a new transitional housing complex in Salinas will offer support for people at risk of homelessness.

Monterey Bay area counties get millions from the state’s homelessness prevention program, but future funds are in jeopardy. And, dozens of Pajaro Valley residents are suing the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency over the 2023 flood.

The Trump administration wants to cap the amount of federal grant money counties can use for permanent housing programs. A court temporarily blocked those plans, but if they ultimately go through, many lives will be upended.

Watsonville’s Hope Village—a tiny home community for people living unsheltered on the Pajaro River levee—finally welcomes its first residents. And, Santa Cruz Public Libraries is hosting a screening this Saturday of the forthcoming documentary “The Inquisitor," which chronicles the legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

The annual Point-in-Time Count provides data about how many people are experiencing homelessness locally. Plus, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, and other local leaders hold a press conference about responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.

Major layoffs in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, local growers are unhappy with a Trump farm bailout, and new approaches for housing gain steam. That and more in this week's roundup.

How local homeless service providers are preparing for a sharp reduction in federal funding for permanent housing. And, Santa Cruz County takes a baby step toward regulating new battery energy storage facilities.

The Marine Mammal Center has opened a new location in Castroville. And, a new Seaside ordinance tightens restrictions on panhandling and vehicle living.